Skin Inflammation on the Paws in Dogs

Pododermatitis in Dogs

Pododermatitis is a medical term for skin inflammation, particularly inflammation in the feet or paws. With treatment, prognosis is positive. The disease is more common in dogs than it is in cats. However, if you would like to learn how it affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.

Symptoms

The following symptoms are commonly seen:

Lameness

Reddened/swollen paws

Painful paws and itchy paws

Fluid buildup in the paws

Small, solid masses

Thickened, raised, or flat top areas

Loss of the top portion of the skin

Discharge from the paws

Inflammation of the soft tissue around the nail

Causes

Bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections can cause this skin inflammation to develop. Other potential causes for it can include cancer, trauma, poor grooming, decreased levels of thyroid hormones, increased levels of steroids present, and irritants from the environment.

While this medical condition can occur in any breed, it is more common in the following: